The University of Mississippi on Thursday confirmed the identities of two students who died within days of each other on and near the Oxford campus, ending days of speculation after the student newspaper, The Daily Mississippian, first named them. The victims are Aidan Hamilton, 18, a freshman from Englewood, Colorado, and Robert Strang, 20, a junior from Atlanta, Georgia.

Hamilton was found unresponsive in a room at Stewart Hall, an on-campus residence hall, and died despite attempts at CPR, according to NBC News. Strang was found dead at an off-campus residence. The university had held back both names for several days at the families' request before confirming them Thursday.

Kratom found at both scenes

Investigators with the Lafayette County Metro Narcotics Unit recovered packaged, store-bought kratom — a plant-derived supplement sometimes described as producing opioid-like effects — at each location, but officials say they have not confirmed it played any role in either death and have found no evidence linking the two cases to one another, according to WMC Action News 5. Toxicology results, which typically take weeks, have not been released, and no official cause or manner of death has been determined for either student.

Strang was one of seven co-chairmen overseeing 2026 Rush recruitment for the university's Phi Delta Theta chapter. The fraternity's national organization called the deaths "a profound tragedy" and said they "reinforce the importance of a collective commitment to health, safety and well-being on college campuses." Strang's family said in a statement that they are "heartbroken by the loss of our dear son" and asked for privacy while they grieve.

"There has never been a more dangerous time to be a young person," Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves said, according to Fox News.

University of Mississippi Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Shawnboda Mead urged students and the public to avoid spreading unconfirmed details as the case draws heavy attention, pointing worried students toward the campus Counseling Center and the UMatter student support office. Student Body President Williford said in a statement that "behind the headlines are students, friends, classmates and families who are grieving."

University police are coordinating with Lafayette County and Mississippi state investigators as the separate probes continue. No arrests have been made, and officials have not said whether foul play is suspected in either case. The school says it will share updates as the investigations progress, and toxicology findings — expected to take several more weeks — are likely to shape whatever comes next in a case that has unsettled a campus already gearing up for its final home football weekends of the season.